Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium (MROC) Study (MROC)

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The MROC Study seeks to evaluate and compare from the patient's point of view the leading options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. This study will help patients, physicians, payers and policy makers better understand the various surgeries available for breast reconstruction. Although many women choose reconstruction, the number of options as well as their pros and cons can make decision making difficult and stressful. From this research, we hope to learn more about what works best for patients undergoing these operations.

Condition or disease

Breast Cancer

Detailed Description:

Despite the growing use of breast conservation as primary therapy for breast cancer, mastectomy remains a common treatment option. Many patients choose to undergo breast reconstruction as an effective means of lessening the adverse impact of mastectomy on psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Despite these benefits, well-designed studies comparing the current choices from the patient's point of view are difficult (if not impossible) to come by. Previous research on breast reconstruction outcomes has also failed to include race and ethnicity as key variables. In order to actively participate in the reconstruction decision making process, breast cancer survivors need objective, up-to-date information on breast reconstruction outcomes from the patient's perspective.

Outcomes assessed will include complications, postoperative pain, psychosocial well-being, physical functioning, fatigue, patient satisfaction and costs. The project will also evaluate the effects of race and ethnicity on reconstruction outcomes. Thirteen leading centers in the United States and Canada will participate. Together, these institutions perform over 3000 breast reconstructions annually. The five year study will evaluate patients preoperatively and at one week, three months, one year and two years following reconstruction. For data sources, the project will rely on medical and billing records, as well as a panel of generic and condition-specific patient-report outcome measures.

The MROC Study will benefit a variety of stakeholders in the healthcare marketplace: The project will provide consumers, providers, payers, and policy-makers with reliable, up-to-date information on the effectiveness and relative costs of surgical options for breast reconstruction, thereby promoting a more evidence-based approach to treatment and policy decision-making. Study findings will also assist health care organizations in designing systems of care tailored to the specific needs and preferences of diverse patient populations.

The effects of race and ethnicity on reconstruction outcomes. [ Time Frame: Pre-operatively and at 1 week, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively ]

Although the study will not be adequately powered to analyze outcomes by procedure type within racial and ethnic categories, we will obtain descriptive statistics for the effects of race and ethnicity on breast reconstruction outcomes.

Descriptive statistics on the relative costs of the eight procedure types. [ Time Frame: 2 years postoperatively ]

Obtain descriptive statistics on the costs of each of the seven procedure types, to gain a better understanding of the cost differences between procedures.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.